Chinese, US military officials meet
( 2001-09-16 09:52 ) (9 )

Chinese and US military officials concluded two days of talks in Guam on Saturday on ways to reduce the risk of air and maritime incidents between their forces, the Pentagon said.

The talks were seen as an important step in easing tensions between the two militaries in the aftermath of a confrontation over the April 1 collision of a US Navy spy plane and a Chinese fighter.

"The discussion focused on general principles of international law and treaties as well as principles and procedures for the safety of military aircraft and military vessels operating in the vicinity of one another," the Pentagon said.

The talks were held under the auspices of the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement, a forum set up by the United States and China to work out "rules of the road" for their two navies.

The two sides agreed to continue to use the forum to address safety issues concerning their military flights and ships at sea.

Chinese defense ministry was represented by Major General Zhang Bangdong, and the US side was represented by Rear Admiral Tom Fellin, who represented the US Pacific Command.